George Milivovich - Silver Star
On this 75th Anniversary of V-E Day (Victory in Europe) we celebrate the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany during World War II. There were several veterans from Trafford who took part in the liberation of Europe, but today we highlight one man who “exemplified the highest traditions of military service” by placing the lives of others before his own safety. His selfless acts are worth remembering.
George Milivovich was born in Trafford on May 6, 1922. George would never know his father Milos Milivovich, who died at the age of 34 from pneumonia, just 5 months before George was born. George’s mother Sava Drakulic Milivovich, and immigrant from present-day Croatia, became a 28-year-old widow with 5 children at a time when a Social Security system did not exist.
George was 20 years old when drafted into the Army in October 1942, and left for Europe in December 1943. Two months after arriving in Europe, his older brother Daniel, working as a bus driver back in Trafford, passed away from pulmonary tuberculosis at the age of 28.
George was serving in Italy with the 85th Division when Operation Diadem began on May 11, 1944. The objective was an assault on the Gustav Line and to break through the German defenses. It was on this date that Milivovich would distinguish himself on the battlefield, later being awarded the Silver Star Medal, one of our Nation’s highest military decorations for valor. The citation reading: “for gallantry in action during the period of May 11 and 12 in Italy in the initial phase of the attack, Technician Fifth Grade George Milivovich administered first aid to all wounded and worked until the objective was taken. Not satisfied that he had taken care of all casualties, he worked through the night and all next day as a litter bearer evacuating dead and wounded from the field of battle. He remained for 20 hours after his company had been relieved and then with no rest volunteered his service to the first aid station which accepted his help. His determination to carry on with complete disregard for his own personal safety at a time of great stress exemplified the highest traditions of the military service.”
George Milivovich would have turned 23 years old about the time Germany surrendered. He returned to the US in September 1945, later married, and had two daughters. George passed away in North Huntingdon Twp. on April 25, 2003 at the age of 80.
